practice.

Students have the option to register for either practice option based on experience, interest, and what works best for their retreat schedule.

Mysore-style Ashtanga

The traditional method of teaching Ashtanga where the student is taught a sequence of postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. The main teacher and assistants are able to work with each student individually. Initially, students may require more attention, but as they become proficient in their practice, they are allowed more independence, receiving adjustments and assistance only when required.

Foundations of Vinyasa Class

For anyone new to yoga or looking to deepen their understanding of Vinyasa yoga. We will explore vinyassa as a yoga system built on linking breath and movement though experiential play, while putting effort towards proper breath, alignment, and other fundamental concepts of right effort and safe practice.

the practice space

Yoga, meditation, and workshops will be held in the outdoor treetop yoga space.

experience.

Workshops

There are four practical movement, breath, and discussion based workshops

In these workshops we will:

Dive into Ayurvedic theory and learn how to find balance through practical applications designed specifically for each person's unique constitution and circumstances.

Examine breath methodology, the medicinal aspect of breath, and build a pranayama (breathwork) sequence that can further imbue the transformative power within our physical practice while opening ourselves to better energy and health in daily life.

Explore the concept and manifestation of Vinyasa practice. Through identifying themes and variations between physical postures we will experientially learn how to: discover proper alignment from the inside; build a balance between strength and flexibility; healing and preventing injuries.

Engage in discussions addressing questions around Introspective Practices, Ayurveda, Pranayama, and Ashtanga-Vinyasa.

Sample Schedule

Sunrise 5:20am
morning silence until 6:30am

Meditation 6-6:20am

Mysore-style Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga* 6:30-8am

Breakfast 8:30-9am

[Free time 2.5 - 4 hours]

Led Foundations of Vinyasa Yoga* (beginners to advanced) 11:30-1pm

Lunch 1:15-2:15pm

Workshop & Practical Discussions 2:30- 4pm

[Free time 3 hours]

Sunset 6:30pm

Dinner 7-7:30pm

* Students will register for either Mysore-style or Led

restore.

Relax...

in the retreat center's hammocks and pool

get a massage in town

lounge on the beach

Explore...

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The nearby Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve, take part in a turtle nesting or hatching tours, snorkel, ocean kayak, go horseback riding, try stand up paddle boarding or ziplining, visit other nearby beaches and the beautiful Belen Waterfall. When you’ve had enough, sink into the laid back vibe of Samara itself, get a massage, and return to Villa Espavel.

Here are Villa Espavel’s Sámara Top 10 Adventures in and around Samara:

A week is a perfect amount of time to spend in Sámara. The community is small and friendly. We love how the beach is the “town square” where everyone comes out to stroll and swim in the evening. In a week’s stay at Villas Espavel you can spend time surfing, boogie boarding, do a little adventure play and see some of the beautiful beaches nearby too. Here is our top 10 of things to do while visiting Sámara:

1. Enjoy low-tide at Sámara Beach – low tide is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or tide-pooling on the Cangrejal side of the beach. It’s also great for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding around the bay.

2. Enjoy high-tide at Sámara Beach – High tide is the perfect time to play in the waves with boogie boards or get on a surf board. We love doing surf lessons with Pato’s surf shop.

3. Hike to the hidden beach, Playa Izquierda – a lovely low-tide adventure that you can do right from town. Depending on how much you play along the way, the adventure could take between 2 – 4 hours.

4. Zipline at Wing Nuts for an artisanal ziplining experience with Manu or his brother and their team of great guides. They’ll educate you about our dry-forest eco-system, show you astounding views of Sámara Bay, feed you organic snacks and cause you to laugh uncontrollably while shouting weeeee!

5. Horse back ride on the gentle horses of Sámara. You can plan a ride that is as little as 30 minutes or as long as 4 hours with Pantera (our gardener and the best one-legged vaquero in Sámara) and see beaches, rivers or waterfalls.

6. Relax at one of the beach bars or eateries that range from rustic tico to romantic chic: Pablitos, Sheriff Rustic, Lo Que Hay, La Conda, La Dolce Vita, Gusto Beach, or another beach-front restaurant and enjoy a batido (fruit smoothie), snack or a cocktail or beer with your feet in the sand.

7. Visit the gorgeous white sands of Playa Barrigona (20 – 50 minute drive, taxi or quad ride away) – a pristine beach that is great for capable surfers, playful boogie boarding, relaxing in the shade and playing in the sand.

8. Visit the black sands and turtle nesting beach of Camaronal (30 minutes away) – This is great in the early morning or the evening so that the sand isn’t too hot for enjoyment. At low-tide it is a fabulous beach walk.

9. Visit Playa Carillo, a lovely beach with a line of palm trees for shade and great opportunities for water and sand play at any tide. There is great shade, so BYO Hammock In the rainy season, the changing river levels and tides carve awesome canyons for kid’s play.

10. Take an adventure to Isla Chora or a Dolphin Tour. The Isla Chora paddle is a great low-tide activity. A Dolphin Tour usually leaves in the morning, often at low tide. We love to go with Sámara Adventure Company, or you can arrange a tour through Brenda & Chris at Sámara Info Center. You can also do your own tour to the island by renting a kayak or stand-up paddle board from one of the beach shops (we love Patos) and head out there on your own. Isla Chora is a nature preserve.